How I Got Here

Pediatric medicine is where it’s at.

If you’re close to me, you will know that when I make big decisions in my life, I am all in.

I have jumped head first into every pivotal choice I have made in my life, and never looked back. Honestly, I have come to realize that it is in my nature to stand firm in my beliefs and go big or go home. Throughout my life, I’m proud to say I’ve stayed true to myself. I married the love of my life at a young age, despite the people that tried to convince me otherwise. I decided to switch careers and go to medical school, even though I knew the journey would be long and hard. And I persevered, excelled, and continued this journey even while being pregnant twice and having two babies only 18 months apart.

All these life altering choices led me to the decision I have never been more sure about in my life. Pediatric Medicine. It may not seem big, but trust me, when you realize you have found your life’s calling, it’s big.

Let me take you back a bit and tell you what brought me to medical school. Growing up, I witnessed my mom working as a caregiver for elderly residents in the adult family home she owned. I watched as she woke up each morning, drank her coffee and started her day by greeting her residents with a warm smile. She took diligent care of them, day and night, providing for all their personal and medical needs. This environment shaped me into a care taker with a passion for helping people. I knew the medical field was for me. But, the jobs within the medical field didn’t really resonate with me. I ultimately decided to become a nurse because this felt like the right place for me to fit my unique puzzle piece. The day I submitted my application for nursing school, I did so with a heaviness in my heart. This didn’t feel right. This didn’t align with my goals and dreams for my future. I wasn’t being true to myself. I wanted more.

I went home and frantically began looking for other healthcare related options. During my fruitless search, I remembered a conversation I had with my mom back when I was in high school, when we were planning for college. She had heard about a school called Bastyr University from a friend, and thought I should look into it. I never did, because as a high schooler I thought I knew better. This flashback came at the perfect time. I typed the name into my browser, and I was amazed. I had discovered Naturopathic Medicine. A form of healthcare and medicine that I thought only existed in my dreams. This was it. This was me. A decision I could make authentically and whole heartedly.

As an early medical student, I often day dreamed about what it would be like when I finally became a doctor and wondered what type of patients I would see. But I also felt aimless as I tried to define myself as a doctor and find a specialty. It wasn't until I had my first child during my second year of school that I realized- pediatric medicine is where it’s at. So, I did what I do best, and dove in to the world of pediatrics without a second thought. I immersed myself in specialized classes focusing on neonatology, advanced pediatrics and more. I bought every book I could get my hands on and sought out the best pediatric providers in the community to preceptor with. I accumulated hundreds of hours working alongside phenomenal pediatricians and learning everything I could from them. So much of my life was sacrificed to dedicate myself to this calling, but I am so glad, and so blessed.

I stand here now, beyond the finish line, looking back from where I have started, and I am humbled. My life’s calling is to be a pediatrician, I know that without a doubt, and I have the honor of doing what I love, day in and day out.

Believe in yourself and stay true to who you are. If some days, it feels hard to do, let those close to you believe in you and support you along the way.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. It is a scary process to be vulnerable and show your heart. This post is the essence of who I am - a mother, wife, daughter, care taker, and pediatrician, and I am so grateful to be sharing it with you.

Humbly yours,

Dr. Andrea Lutac